Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the liver and interferes with its normal function. Hepatitis can be caused by infection (usually by a virus), excessive alcohol use, medicine, or a problem with the immune system.

The three most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Viral hepatitis is contagious. All three types of viral hepatitis (A, B, and C) can be spread through contact with body fluids. Hepatitis A can also spread when people consume food or water contaminated by stool (feces) containing the virus.

Some types of hepatitis can cause serious, long-term complications, such as severe and permanent liver damage.

By

Healthwise Staff

Primary Medical Reviewer

Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical Reviewer

W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology

Last Revised

October 29, 2012

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